Eating Dirt

Philippians 1:12-14

At this point in our reading, one of the other group members who worked with middle school age children came in talking about "eating dirt." When others offend us, it speaks loudly of our testimony if we silently swallow our pride and react only with love.

We truly are "in chains" for Christ. Paul refers to himself as a bond servant (Romans 1:1), a slave who has been freed but now is willingly bound to his master for life. We do things in certain ways because of our position in Christ, forgiven and accepted by grace. We give our children second and third chances. We care enough to make the effort to truly know our children and seek what is best for them.

Consider other parents in your community. Many dedicated parents truly care and work with their children to teach and guide them. However, Christians have a source of strength and energy that enables them to rise above the stress and negative attitudes that prevail in today's society. Christian parents carry forth the work of the gospel, showing God's love to everyone around them. Their example encourages all of us to "speak the Word more courageously."